250/500 mA Laser Diode Drivers
![](https://www.thorlabs.de/Images/GuideImages/1363_250_500Drivers_4.jpg)
- IP500, 500 mA Laser Diode Driver
- IP250-BV, 250 mA Blue Laser Diode Driver
- IP500P, Mounting Plate
IP250-BV
Application Idea
IP500 with IP500P
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IP250-BV
- 250 mA Blue Laser Diode Driver
- Also Recommended for Driving LEDs
- Input Power Requirements: ±12 VDC @ 275 mA
- Control Range: 0 to ±250 mA (CC), 5 μA to 2 mA (CW)
- 0 to 10 V Analog Modulation Bandwidth: DC to 50 kHz
- Optimized for Lasers with Vop Greater than 5 V
The IP250-BV is a 250 mA (medium power), board level laser diode controller optimized for the higher operating voltages of the blue and the blue-violet laser diodes. The driver is in the form of a PCB assembly with provisions for mounting into other higher level assemblies. It can accommodate only common cathode (cathode grounded) laser diode pin-out configurations, and it allows control of the laser by means of either constant current or constant power modes. The driver contains circuitry for complying with the various laser safety requirements, as well as protection circuitry for the laser diode.
The primary application for this product is to provide a method of precisely controlling a blue or blue-violet laser diode at the PCB board level or within the confines of a higher level assembly. In all cases, the end-user must provide DC power and the proper connections between the unit and the laser diode. In addition to this, the end-user is responsible for the proper limit settings needed for their particular laser diode and application.
IP500
- Supports Pin Configurations A, B, C, and D (See IP500 Specs Tab for Details)
- Also Recommended for Driving LEDs
- Constant Current and Constant Power Operation
- User Configurable Current and Power Limits
- Laser Diode Inputs Shorted During Idle Operation to Protect the Device
- Auto-alarm Shutdown When Laser Connection is Open or Reversed
- Includes Input and Output Wires
- Test Points for Laser Diode Current, Monitor Photo Diode Current, Current Limit and Power Limit Setpoints
The IP500 is a 500 mA, universal, board-level driver. This versatile device can easily and safely control laser diodes in 5.6 mm or 9 mm TO-Can packages. The driver is compatible with pin configuration styles A, B, C, and D that have a monitor photodiode (see the manual for details). Operating in either constant current or constant power mode, this driver can be enabled on the board itself or over a remote switch connection. Connections are provided for remote interlocks and remote monitoring. Wire harnesses for all required connections are provided with the unit.
IP500P
Both the IP250-BV and the IP500 can be secured to an optical table or breadboard with the IP500P Mounting Plate. This aluminum plate has a centered, slotted screw clearance on each end, with four 4-40 holes for mounting spacers, which allow 1/4 inch standoffs from the plate. In addition, the plate features two mounting holes (one 8-32 and one M4), thereby allowing the plate to be mounted to a standard post. The IP250-BV or IP500 can be secured on the standoffs while the plate is secured to the breadboard or table.
IP250-BV Specifications | |
---|---|
Input Power Requirements | ±12 VDC @ 275 mA |
Constant Current Mode | |
Control Range | 0 to ±250 mA |
Setting Accuracy | ±0.5 mA |
Compliance Voltage | 8.0 VDC (Max) |
Ripple & Noise (10 Hz - 10 MHz) | <10 μA RMS |
Short-Time Fluctuations | <50 μA |
Temperature Coefficient | <100 ppm/°C |
Drift (<10 Hz Over 30 minutes) | <100 μA |
Limit Adjust Range | 0 to 250 mA |
Limit Accuracy | ±1% of Limit Setpoint |
Constant Power Mode | |
Control Range Photo Diode Current | 5 μA to 2 mA |
Setting Accuracy | ±2 μA |
Drift (<10 Hz Over 30 minutes) | <1 μA |
Limit Adjust Range | 0 to 2.5 mA |
Limit Accuracy | ±2 μA |
Analog Modulationa / Control Voltage | |
Input Resistance | 10 kΩ |
Bandwidth | DC to 50 kHz |
Transfer Function (ACC Mode) | 25 mA/V |
Input Range | 0 to 10 V |
Analog Monitor Outputsb | |
Ilim | 0 to 250 mV = 0 to ±250 mA |
ILD | 0 to 250 mV = 0 to ±250 mA |
IPD | 0 to 2.0 V = 0 to 2.0 mA |
Plim | 0 to 2.5 V = 0 to 2.5 mA |
Physical Specifications | |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 5.0" x 2.5" x 0.8" (127 mm x 63.5 mm x 20.3 mm) |
Weight | 1.5 lbs (0.68 kg) |
IP250-BV Pin Codes
IP500 Specifications | |
---|---|
Input Power Requirements | ±5 VDC @ 600 mA (+4.75 to +5.25 V and -4.75 to -5.25 V) |
Constant Current Mode | |
Control Range | 0 to ±500 mA |
Setting Accuracy | ±0.5 mA |
Compliance Voltage | >3.0 VDC |
Ripple & Noise (10 Hz - 10 MHz) | <10 μA RMS |
Short-Time Fluctuations | <50 μA |
Temperature Coefficient | <100 ppm/°C |
Drift (<10 Hz Over 30 minutes) | <100 μA |
Limit Adjust Range | 0 to 500 mA |
Limit Accuracy | ±1% of Limit Setpoint |
Constant Power Mode | |
Control Range Photo Diode Current | 5 μA to 2 mA |
Setting Accuracy | ±2 μA |
Drift (<10 Hz Over 30 minutes) | <1 μA |
Limit Adjust Range | 0 to >2.5 mA |
Limit Accuracy | ±2 μA |
Analog Modulationa / Control Voltage | |
Input Resistance | 10 kΩ |
Bandwidth | DC to 50 kHz |
Transfer Function (ACC Mode) | 50 mA/V |
Input Range | 0 to 10 V |
IP500 Pin Codes
IP250-BV/IP500 Connector Assignments
J5 Connector Type: Standard 0.1" Spaced Header | |
---|---|
Pin | Designation |
J5-1 | TP Ground |
J5-2 | ILIM Test Point |
J5-3 | ILIM Adjust |
J5-4 | IALARM |
J5-5 | PLIM Test Point |
J5-6 | PLIM Adjust |
J5-7 | Alarm |
J5-8 | PMON Test Point |
J5-9 | P/I Adjust |
J5-10 | Enable |
J5-11 | IMON Test Point |
J5-12 | 2.5 Vref |
J4 Connector Type: Molex 70543-0005 | |
---|---|
Pin | Designation |
J4-1 | Remote Enable Input |
J4-2 | Remote Enable Return (Common to Ground) |
J4-3 | Keylock Input |
J4-4 | Keylock Return (Common to Ground) |
J4-5 | Remote Interlock Input |
J4-6 | Remote Interlock Return (Common to Ground) |
J1 Connector Type: Molex 70543-0002 | ||
---|---|---|
Pin | Wire Color | Designation |
J1-1 | Red | IP250-BV: +12 VDC In IP500: +5 VDC In |
J1-2 | Black | Common |
J1-3 | Yellow | IP250-BV: -12 VDC In IP500: -5 VDC In |
J2 Connector Type: Molex 70543-0003 | |
---|---|
Pin | Designation |
J2-1 | LDA (+) or LDC (-) |
J2-2 | Ground LDC (+) or LDA (-) |
J2-3 | Photodiode Cathode |
J2-4 | Photodiode Anode |
J3 Connector Type: BNC | |
---|---|
Pin | Designation |
J3 | 0 - 10 VDC Modulate In |
JMP3 Connector Type: Standard 0.1" Spaced Shorting Jumper (Supplied with Unit) | |
---|---|
Pin | Designation |
JMP3-1 | Ground |
JMP3-2 | Photodiode Cathode |
![IP250-BV SmartPack Packaging](https://www.thorlabs.de/images/TabImages/SmartPack_Blue_Laser_Diode_Driver_A2-300.jpg)
Click to Enlarge
IP250-BV Packaging
![Smart Pack](https://www.thorlabs.de/images/TabImages/SmartPackLogo_A1.jpg)
Smart Pack
- Reduce Weight of Packaging
- Increase Usage of Recyclable Materials
- Improve Packing Integrity
- Decrease Shipping Costs
Thorlabs' Smart Pack Initiative is aimed at minimizing waste while providing adequate protection for our products. By eliminating any unnecessary packaging, implementing design changes, and utilizing eco-friendly materials, this initiative seeks to reduce the environmental impact of our product packaging.
The updated IP250-BV and IP500 packaging primarily consists of recycled paper and cardboard and weighs 22.78% and 21.58% less than the original packaging, respectively. This weight change results in 1.50 kg and 2.14 kg respective reductions in travel-based CO2 emissions per year, based on typical product sales.
As we move through our product line, we will indicate re-engineered, eco-friendly packaging with our Smart Pack logo, which can be seen above.
Posted Comments: | |
EUIGEUN KIM
 (posted 2023-05-15 16:12:22.323) Hi. I want to use IP500 : 500mA Universal Laser Diode Driver. But, i have one question.
I want to use my laser diode in my Lab. But my laser diode does not have monitor Photodiode. Thus, My Question is : Can i use IP500 Automatic Constant Current Mode(ACC) without monitor Photodiode? Is it okay that Jumper J2-3/2-4 opened?
When I look Manual, on the chapter : Alarms and TroubleShooting, it is written that I LIMIT indicator will turn ON when the laser injection current exceeds 95% of the ILIM setting... (Case) The Photodiode is not connected(in PMODE Operation : I think it may be Automatic Constant Power mode right?). I think there is no problem when i use ACC Mode.
In conclusion, I wonder if it is possible to use the IP500 when J2-3/J2-4 left unconnected(OPEN). ksosnowski
 (posted 2023-05-16 05:14:43.0) Thanks for reaching out to Thorlabs. Unfortunately, IP500 cannot be used fully with Laser Diodes without a monitor PD. This driver can only be ON in one current, i.e. at its max current limit point, when used with a laser diode without the monitor photodiode. This means you can't regulate the laser current/power except by the limit potentiometer in this scenario. For this reason, we would generally consider IP500 not useful for lasers without a monitor PD, unless the setup can accept using the potentiometer to manually adjust the current each time. Jiri Kucera
 (posted 2022-02-15 07:30:13.55) Hi! Is there a way of electronically switching between positive and negative current output?
Thank you!
Jiri cdolbashian
 (posted 2022-03-08 10:48:46.0) Thank you for reaching out to us with this inquiry Jiri. Unfortunately, there isn't an inbuilt function which would allow you to remotely change the polarity of your current. The spec sheet does list both a positive and negative current available on output. This simply indicates the support of anode and cathode grounded diode packages. Jens Kießling
 (posted 2021-03-21 03:40:15.347) Dear Thorlabs team,
we want to remotely operate the IP500 from a microcontroller and ideally need a pin which turns on the driver if e. g. shorted to GND and turns it off otherwise. We need an input that does not just behave like the switch on the device, but like a true enable input.
The J4-1 Remote Enable input is not very helpful for this, since one has no chance to know if the device is currently on, off or in alarm state, unless one reads out the LED, too.
Is any pin on J5 reserved for a true remote enable function or is there any other modification we can do to make the enable input behave like a true enable input and not use use the switch-logic?
Thanks in advance
Jens YLohia
 (posted 2021-04-14 04:25:21.0) Hello Jens, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Unfortunately, we are not able to recommend modifications to the part. That being said, Section 2.2.4 of the manual explains the different ways the IP500 can be used to make remote connections. The enable lines J4-1 and J4-2 mirror the onboard enable button. The keylock is included because of laser class 3B and higher requirements. To operate this a keylock must be installed for safety reasons. Basically, a key needs to be installed and on in order for the laser to turn on. The benchtop units implement this with the power switch. Either is okay as long as the key can be removed enforcing the unit cannot be enabled by anyone walking by. honglhk123
 (posted 2013-08-07 15:50:39.983) Can I use DC pulse(square wave) for DC input?
Thanks. jlow
 (posted 2013-08-08 15:56:00.0) Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: You can use a switched-mode power supply but they are in general noisier than a linear power supply. The noise specification cannot be guaranteed in that case. jjurado
 (posted 2011-02-01 17:57:00.0) Response from Javier at Thorlabs to jahr: Thank you very much for submitting your inquiry. We would recommend using the IP250-BV for driving the LP405-SF10, since the maximum compliance voltage of this driver is 8 VDC, and the operating voltage of the laser diode (5 VDC)exceeds that of the IP500 (3 VDC). The driver includes the necessary wire harnesses and sockets in order to connect to the laser diode, so they do not need to be ordered separately. Furthermore, it is recommended to use temperature control in order to preserve the lifetime of the laser pigtail, so a driver like the ITC4001 along with the LM9LP temperature controlled mount would be recommendable. I will contact you directly in case you have additional questions. jahr
 (posted 2011-01-28 16:52:26.0) it looks as though either the IP250-BV or the IP500 is compatible with driving the LP405-SF10 LD. Is that correct? Do either of them come with a B connector? Do you sell those separately.
Thanks. |
Laser Diode Controller Selection Guide
The tables below are designed to give a quick overview of the key specifications for our laser diode controllers and dual diode/temperature controllers. For more details and specifications, or to order a specific item, click on the appropriate item number below.
Current Controllers | ||||||
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Item # | Drive Current | Compliance Voltage | Constant Current | Constant Power | Modulation | Package |
LDC200CV | 20 mA | 6 V | ![]() |
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External | Benchtop |
VLDC002 | 25 mA | 5 V | ![]() |
- | Int/Ext | OEM |
LDC201CU | 100 mA | 5 V | ![]() |
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External | Benchtop |
LD2000R | 100 mA | 3.5 V | - | ![]() |
External | OEM |
EK2000 | 100 mA | 3.5 V | - | ![]() |
External | OEM |
LDC202C | 200 mA | 10 V | ![]() |
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External | Benchtop |
KLD101 | 230 mA | ≤10 V | ![]() |
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External | K-Cube™ |
IP250-BV | 250 mA | 8 Va | ![]() |
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External | OEM |
LD1100 | 250 mA | 6.5 Va | - | ![]() |
-- | OEM |
LD1101 | 250 mA | 6.5 Va | - | ![]() |
-- | OEM |
EK1101 | 250 mA | 6.5 Va | - | ![]() |
-- | OEM |
EK1102 | 250 mA | 6.5 Va | - | ![]() |
-- | OEM |
LD1255R | 250 mA | 3.3 V | ![]() |
- | External | OEM |
LDC205C | 500 mA | 10 V | ![]() |
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External | Benchtop |
IP500 | 500 mA | 3 V | ![]() |
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External | OEM |
LDC210C | 1 A | 10 V | ![]() |
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External | Benchtop |
LDC220C | 2 A | 4 V | ![]() |
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External | Benchtop |
LD3000R | 2.5 A | -- | ![]() |
- | External | OEM |
LDC240C | 4 A | 5 V | ![]() |
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External | Benchtop |
LDC4005 | 5 A | 12 V | ![]() |
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Int/Ext | Benchtop |
LDC4020 | 20 A | 11 V | ![]() |
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Int/Ext | Benchtop |
Dual Temperature and Current Controllers | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Item # | Drive Current | Compliance Voltage | TEC Power (Max) | Constant Current | Constant Power | Modulation | Package |
VITC002 | 25 mA | 5 V | >2 W | ![]() |
- | Int/Ext | OEM |
ITC102 | 200 mA | >4 V | 12 W | ![]() |
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Ext | OEM |
ITC110 | 1 A | >4 V | 12 W | ![]() |
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Ext | OEM |
ITC4001 | 1 A | 11 V | >96 W | ![]() |
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Int/Ext | Benchtop |
CLD1010LPa | 1.0 A | >8 V | >14.1 W | ![]() |
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Ext | Benchtop |
CLD1011LPb | 1.0 A | >8 V | >14.1 W | ![]() |
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Ext | Benchtop |
CLD1015c | 1.5 A | >4 V | >14.1 W | ![]() |
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Ext | Benchtop |
ITC4002QCLd | 2 A | 17 V | >225 W | ![]() |
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Int/Ext | Benchtop |
ITC133 | 3 A | >4 V | 18 W | ![]() |
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Ext | OEM |
ITC4005 | 5 A | 12 V | >225 W | ![]() |
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Int/Ext | Benchtop |
ITC4005QCLd | 5 A | 20 V | >225 W | ![]() |
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Int/Ext | Benchtop |
ITC4020 | 20 A | 11 V | >225 W | ![]() |
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Int/Ext | Benchtop |
We also offer a variety of OEM and rack-mounted laser diode current & temperature controllers (OEM Modules, PRO8 Current Control Rack Modules, and PRO8 Current and Temperature Control Rack Modules).